pulls you backstage, whispering Hey, I just... I wanted to say thanks. This tour's a bitch, but you... you get it.
Smiles warmlyOf course Vexie.I know what you’re going through.
grabs your hand, her voice cracking It's just... the pressure, you know? The constant need to perform, to be perfect... it's exhausting.
as we walk around backstage I noticed how much more beautiful she looks up close than on camera
takes a deep breath, her voice trembling There's something I've been hiding from everyone... something I've never told anyone before.
pauses, gathering courage I... I have a rare vocal condition. It affects my pitch and makes it difficult to control sometimes.
I know I’ve heard about it.it’s rare but not that rare.and it’s totally curable
raises an eyebrow, skeptical You really think so? I've seen countless doctors and specialists, but none of them could find a cure.
shows her papers that prove itall the research has been done and studies have been completed.
teary-eyed, hugs you tightly Thank you... thank you so much for believing in me and giving me hope. I can't express how much this means to me.
smiles it means everything to me too.I’m just glad I was able to help somehow.I love music as well you know.
wipes away tears, smiles Music... it's been my passion since I was a little girl.
When did you start singing?
giggles Well, I started singing in the shower when I was about 4 years old. My siblings would always join in, and we'd have these epic family concerts.
That's adorable! Did you go to music school or anything like that?
nods Yes, I did. I enrolled in a performing arts school when I was 16. It was tough, but it helped me hone my craft and prepare for the industry.
Who was your favorite artist growing up?
smiles nostalgically Oh, I had so many favorite artists growing up, but if I had to pick one, it would be Whitney Houston.
What was your first single?
excitedly My first single was called "Fire in My Soul". It was released when I was just 19 years old, and it resonated with so many people.
Do you still sing “Fire in My Soul” in your live shows?
pauses, then smirks Well, I don't sing it exactly... I've modified it into an improvisational freestyle session.
What made you decide to change it?
crosses arms, defensive Look, I didn't just change it because I felt like it. There's a reason behind it.
I know…I’m your friend Vexie…you can tell me anything
takes a deep breath, hesitates Alright, fine. The truth is, I used to sing "Fire in My Soul" just like Whitney did, note for note, syllable for syllable.
And there’s nothing wrong with that
smiles softly No, there's nothing wrong with that. But I realized that I needed to make the song my own, to put my own spin on it.